Is Organic Food Always Better For Your Health?

[01dragonslayer]

The opinion on organic produce seems to swing wildly, from saving the planet to being completely worthless. One thing we can all agree on is that fewer industrial chemicals in your body the better.

In a perfect world, everything would be organic. Unfortunately, organic often translates into “expensive,” and eating a completely organic menu isn’t always an option for some people. Luckily, the Environmental Working Group, a leading environmental health research and advocacy organization, has updated its list that can help you get the biggest bang for your buck and the cleanest food for your funds. The Dirty Dozen are foods that tend to have the highest pesticide contamination and are thus worth the extra money to buy organic; The Clean 15 contain the lowest levels of contaminants, meaning that conventionally farmed version are most likely safe to eat.

The Dirty Dozen (buy organic)
1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Sweet bell peppers
4. Peaches
5. Strawberries
6. Nectarines
7. Grapes
8. Cherry tomatoes
9. Lettuce
10. Cucumbers
11. Snap peas
12. Potatoes

Lettuce and spinach had previously made this list, so it may be wise to buy organic versions of those as well.

The Clean 15 (buy organic or conventional)
1. Onions
2. Sweet corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Cabbage
6. Sweet peas
7. Asparagus
8. Mangoes
9. Eggplant
10. Kiwi
11. Cantaloupe
12. Sweet potatoes
13. Grapefruit
14. Cauliflower
15. Papaya

Mushrooms and watermelon were formerly on this list, so it’s most likely okay to buy conventional versions of those.

 

[ZacharyCook]

This list is really helpful for deciding what to buy organic versus conventional. I try to stick to the Dirty Dozen for organic, but for a quick lunch or snack, I often check the subway meny pris to see affordable options that fit my routine. It makes planning meals much easier while keeping things balanced.

 

[The_Thannos]

Huge difference in proteins. As a ranch family ( we produce several thousands of lbs of beef a year) stay away from "big ag/factory" beef, chicken or pork. So much nutritional value is lost in the finishing process it's crazy.